Watchman's Blog

These are troubled times. I wish I could tell you that they'll get better, that the instability of recent history is a fluke which will soon correct itself, but it wouldn't be true. Things may get slightly better temporarily, but Bible prophecies promise us that worldwide distress will come in increasing waves until the end of the age. That being the case, how should we as children of YHVH and ambassadors of Messiah handle ourselves emotionally as the waves crash over us?

Avoiding hardship may not be an option, but avoiding anxiety is. One of the great promises of the Christian life is that our shalom (meaning "peace") is not dependent on our circumstances . In fact, we have been commanded, "Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not be afraid" (John 14:27).

Give Yourself Permission To Mourn

First, it's okay to be sad when tragedy strikes. It's okay to mourn because of personal loss, and mourn out of sympathy for the losses of others. That's part of a healthy emotional response. But we don't stay sad or walk around depressed and ineffective because of events in this world. We feel the pain, we cry, then we hand it over to God so he can restore our joy.

Take the Long VIew

During his parting speech in the fourth Gospel, Y'shua twice told his disciples to not let their hearts be troubled. The first time, he followed up by assuring them that there are eternal blessings in store for the Faithful: "In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?" (John 14:2). The relationship between these statements is profound. Adonai is saying that a proper understanding of the next world will secure our shalom in this one.

This fallen world is a testing ground. It is neither heaven nor hell, but something in between. We are presented with both pain and pleasure so that we can demonstrate godliness or the lack of it in diverse situations. Everything that happens here is recorded in heaven, and all of it is an opportunity to shape our eternal destiny. If we do well, then we will enter the eternal state with rewards beyond description (1 Cor. 2:9 3:12-15).

In view of everlasting paradise, all of the troubles of this earth are hardly worth fretting about. The meager amount of days that we spend in this life are just a flash in the pan, a vapor in the wind. So why do we let present evils terrorize us? They can affect our bodies but not our destinies. Paul said it best:

For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
(2 Cor. 4:17-18, NIV)

For an obedient disciple of Y'shua, the worst that can possibly happen is that we die and enter into ceaseless bliss. That should put things into perspective.

We Will Not Be Shaken

At the end of his Sermon on the Mount, our master told a parable about two men, a wise one who built his house upon solid rock, and a foolish one who built his house upon sand. When a storm overtook those houses, it blew down the fool's home (Matt. 7:24-27). The moral of the story? Those who trust and obey the Word of God will be not be shaken. Though life's inevitable storms rage against them, they will not be moved.

Where does that kind of stability come from? It comes from knowing that YHVH is faithful and unchanging, and that he's the victor. He is in the process of besting Evil, and that process will be brought to completion soon. If we're with YHVH, then we're on the winning team. There's serenity in that fact.

This reminds me of the lyrics of a song that my wife put in our worship team's repertoire. It affirms the wisdom of placing trust in a trustworthy God. The pre-chorus goes like this:

For in the hour of our darkest day
We will not tremble, we won’t be afraid
Hope is rising like the light of dawn
Our God is for us He has overcome

I like these lyrics, but I also take issue with them in part. It's not wrong to tremble in fear. It's normal to have that physiological response in the face of real danger. What is wrong, however, is letting fear dictate our behavior. It's not okay to be cowardly when God has repeatedly told us to take courage in him. He wants us to trust that he has it all in hand, because he really does. He will bring good out of bad in our day, as he always has, until the Day of YHVH finally arrives and all unrighteousness flees.

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.
(John 16:33, NIV)

Don't focus too much on the unfortunate events befalling this world. Instead, keep focusing on the good Savior and let the joy of the Lord be your strength. Be aware and educated but not burdened by the news. Don't worry, Adonai will make everything better in time.

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Author

Alexander Lawrence is a husband, father, artist, and lay scholar walking after Y'shua ha-Mashiach (Jesus the Messiah). His mission is to equip the Elect for the climax of history.

Alexander has spoken about his ministry on nationally-syndicated radio shows and multiple faith-based YouTube channels. He regularly teaches and leads worship at Messiah Echad congregation in Central Texas.

8 Keys to Personal Moral Excellence While LIving in Spiritual Egypt

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